TAOISM History of the Taoism PhilosophyTaoism (also known as Daoism) can be viewed as an ever-evolving religion. What started out as psychology and philosophy, later evolved into one of the Chinese state's official religious faiths. The theories of the faith have been influenced by many other strands of philosophy, including China's past popular concepts of Ancestor Worship, Shamanism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. As China developed, the various beliefs intermingled. Other quintessential aspects of Ancient China, such as the study of meditation and martial arts, also played a role in influencing the emerging religion. The fusion of Ancient China's assorted values and lifestyles eventually produced what we now know as Taoism.
Basic Beliefs of Taoism The concept of ‘Tao’, more literally meaning "path", "way", or "truth", is based on the principle that change is perpetual and inevitable. It is believed that one has to experience an internal change in order to harmonize one’s life and allow external changes to flourish. The Yin Yang is a popular symbol that originated from this theory. The Yin Yang incorporates the principles of philosophy, chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and many more intellectual subjects. Yin and Yang represent two complementary polar opposite energies of existence which create a balance in all objects and living things. Yin symbolizes all things feminine, dark, inhibited, amenable, and passive. Yang contrastingly represents the masculine, bright, vigorous, and magnanimous. Taoism philosophy states that everything contains both yin and yang, creating a balanced universe. The Yin Yang to the right symbolizes power, love, balance, healing, and peace.
Chi is a primary concept in many religions of the Chinese culture, especially Taoism. Chi(translated: "air" or "breath") refers to the belief that an "energy flow" or "life force" permeates all things, defining all life and inanimate objects in the universe. Taoists also focus on The 8 Pillars of Taoism. The pillars are composed of the Tao of Philosophy, Tao of Revitalization, Tao of Balanced Diet, Tao of Forgotten Food Diet, Tao of Healing Art, Tao of Sexology, Tao of Mastery, and Tao of Success. These pillars were developed to aid one in living a successful, balanced life. Social Ethics of Taoism The social ethics of Taoism are principally associated with longevity, the concept of a person’s long life span. Taoism stresses the idea that one is obligated to respectfully comply with social ethics in order to achieve longevity. Everybody must perform good deeds while avoiding selfishness, and follow social standards. Taoists believe that once one commits an act of evil, his life span will be shortened. These social ethics of Taoism have had a positive influence on the Chinese society.
Taoism has as its origins a rebellion against the strict societal rules of Confucianism, which enforces rigid rules of social behavior for various roles. Confucianism expects persons in each role in life (father, mother, son, daughter, employer, and so forth) to obey specific rules of society. Escape from these rules can only be obtained through retirement or spending three years mourning the death of one's own father. Taoisml which embraces the dualism of yin and yang, allows for these rules of society to be embraced as one of two paths, and the rigidity of Confucianism is replaced by the the more tolerand and understanding nature of Taoism. The Fathers of Taoism Taoism was founded by Lao-Tzu (also known as Laozi), a keeper of the Chinese Imperial Library who was also associated with Confucius. At the age of 80, Lao-Tzu set out on a journey, hoping to relieve his stress and the sadness and disillusion came with the realization that men were “unwilling to follow the path to natural goodness.” Famed for his wisdom, Lao-Tzu sought solutions to the relentless primitive warfare, to the government’s turn to corruption, and to many other conflicts of his time. Thus, the Lao-te-Ching was written, becoming one of the fundamental books of the developing religion, and eventually one of the most influential spiritual classics in history.
The second formative text on Taoism was written by the philosopher Zhuangzi (circa 350-300 BC), and this text is often referred to simply by the author's name (although the text has over the centuries been updated and changed by multiple different authors). With this work, Taoism began to more deeply distinguish itself from Confucianism. While Confucianism stressed self-sacrifice, Taoism, as expressed by the Zhuangzi, came to stand for its opposite, the escape from societal pressure into an individual path of freedom.
The Yellow Emperor The primarily philosophical Taoism created by Lao-Tzu and Zhuangzi is often referred to as “Lao-Zhuang Philosophy” to distinguish it the from the more religious “Huang-Lao” strain of Taoist thought, which has been credited to the legendary Yellow Emperor. The influence of the Yellow Emperor on Taoism is traced to the Han Dynasty (202-220 AD), when the legendary rule of this emperor (said to have ruled from 2497-2398 BC) was linked with Taoism.
In legend, the Yellow Emperor (one of the legendary "Five Emperors"), who was also known as Huáng Dì, ruled as Emperor of China but retreated to the mountains of Bo Wang to study Taoism in depth. When he returned to the throne, he ruled the country with Taoist principles, and in only four years fixed the poor conditions that preceded his rule and made China prosperous again.
The Yellow Emperor is credited with being the original inventor of Taoist healing, and as the author of Yin Fŭ Jīng, which is only 338 words long, but each of these words is said by the Taoist faithful to be utilized to the full breadth of its meaning, and to bear deep wisdom in the fields of political science, ecology, and military strategy.
Influence of Taoism Through the Ages
The teachings of Taoism have influenced Asian and European philosophers and authors, including the German Herman Hesse and Bertolt Brecht, and can be said to have had a major impact on the development not only of eastern religions but of modern Christianity and other faiths.
Even despite periodic persecution and suppression, Taoism has proven to be a major influence in Communist China, and although the founder of Communist China, and its longtime ruler, Mao Tze-Tung, banned Taoism, his successors have proven to be more tolerant, and the faith is thriving in that nation.
Some principles of Taoism have become commercial in nature, influencing trade and economics, as well as worldwide culture. One example of such a principle is feng shui, which is the Taoist method of harmonic and balanced organization of a living space, and which has become a significant influence in construction and interior design.
Taoism In The Modern World Millions of Asians, from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong to Singapore and Indonesia, worship the gods of Taoism. Taoism is a faith that blends the teaching of philosophers with the fables of the ordinary person, and with the rituals of secret societies. It also blends magic, chemical mysteries, psychology, superstitions, and aspects of interperonal relationships into an overarching set of life principles that are very much alive today.
In Taoist temples, the Chinese worship more than 1,000 gods. Each of these deities is said to have sovereignty over specific areas of life, such as success in exams, the prevention of toothache and personal wealth.
Today, Taoism is practiced by approximately 20 million people. The main strength of this religion is in Taiwan, but number over 30,000 in North America and are spread throughout the world.
Teachings of Taoism
Some of the seminal works in the literature of the Tao reflext the dual nature of the Tao philosophy in excerpts like:
"Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river." --Lao-Tzu
"Heaven turns circles, yes! / Earth sits firm, yes! / Sun and moon vie for a place, yes! / Whose is the bow that shoots them? / Whose is the net that holds them? / Who is it sits with nothing to do and gives them the push that sends them away?" -- Zhuangzi
Being still, not resisting: can I attain that?" -- famous final line of The Three Leaps of Wang-Lun by the Taoist-influenced author Alfred Döblin
Taoism Timeline 550 BCE - Taoism was founded when Lao-Tzu wrote the Tao-te-Ching
350 BCE - Chuang-Tzu further develops the Taoist philosophy.
150 BCE - Immortality in Taoism is developed; Taiping Jing is compiled.
202-220 - Han Dynasty elevates Taoism, and the status of the Yellow Emperor.
226-249 - Wang Bi introduces Taoist concepts into Confucian learning.
320 - Ge Hong writes The Master Who Has Embraced Simplicity.
440 - Emperor Zhang Daoling proclaims Taoism an official state religion in China, and Lao-Tzu is made a deity.
618-626 - Emperor Gaozu builds a temple at Lao-Tzu's birthplace.
637 - Taoists ensured precedence over Buddhists.
691 - Empress Wu reverses precedence and supports the rise of Buddhism.
845 - Emperor Wu-zong has many non-Taoist religions persecuted.
16th Century - San yi Jiao, or the Three-in-One Religion, is founded as a synthesis of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
1644-1911 - The Three-in-One Religion is persecuted.
1920s-'30s - National Taoist organizations are founded.1928 - Taoist and Buddhist temples are dismantled.
1950s - Religions are controlled by the Chinese government.
Basic Beliefs of Taoism
The concept of ‘Tao’, more literally meaning "path", "way", or "truth", is based on the principle that change is perpetual and inevitable. It is believed that one has to experience an internal change in order to harmonize one’s life and allow external changes to flourish. The Yin Yang is a popular symbol that originated from this theory. The Yin Yang incorporates the principles of philosophy, chemistry, physics,
Chi is a primary concept in many religions of the Chinese culture, especially Taoism. Chi (translated: "air" or "breath") refers to the belief that an "energy flow" or "life force" permeates all things, defining all life and inanimate objects in the universe. Taoists also focus on The 8 Pillars of Taoism. The pillars are composed of the Tao of Philosophy, Tao of Revitalization, Tao of Balanced
Social Ethics of Taoism
The social ethics of Taoism are principally associated with longevity, the concept of a person’s long life span. Taoism stresses the idea that one is obligated to respectfully comply with social ethics in order to achieve longevity. Everybody must perform good deeds while avoiding selfishness, and follow social standards. Taoists believe that once one commits an act of evil, his life span will be shortened. These social ethics of Taoism have had a positive influence on the Chinese society.
Taoism has as its origins a rebellion against the strict societal rules of Confucianism, which enforces rigid rules of social behavior for various roles. Confucianism expects persons in each role in life (father, mother, son, daughter, employer, and so forth) to obey specific rules of society. Escape from these rules can only be obtained through retirement or spending three years mourning the death of one's own father. Taoisml which embraces the dualism of yin and yang, allows for these rules of society to be embraced as one of two paths, and the rigidity of Confucianism is replaced by the the more tolerand and understanding nature of Taoism.
The Fathers of Taoism
Taoism was founded by Lao-Tzu (also known as Laozi), a keeper of the Chinese Imperial Library who was also associated with Confucius. At the age of 80, Lao-Tzu set out on a journey, hoping to relieve his stress and the sadness and disillusion came with the realization that men were “unwilling to follow the path to natural goodness.” Famed for his wisdom, Lao-Tzu sought solutions to the relentless primitive warfare, to the government’s turn to corruption, and to many other conflicts of his time. Thus, the Lao-te-Ching was written, becoming one of the fundamental books of the developing religion, and eventually one of the most influential spiritual classics in history.
The second formative text on Taoism was written by the philosopher Zhuangzi (circa 350-300 BC), and this text is often referred to simply by the author's name (although the text has over the centuries been updated and changed by multiple different authors). With this work, Taoism began to more deeply distinguish itself from Confucianism. While Confucianism stressed self-sacrifice, Taoism, as expressed by the Zhuangzi, came to stand for its opposite, the escape from societal pressure into an individual path of freedom.
The Yellow Emperor
In legend, the Yellow Emperor (one of the legendary "Five Emperors"), who was also known as Huáng Dì, ruled as Emperor of China but retreated to the mountains of Bo Wang to study Taoism in depth. When he returned to the throne, he ruled the country with Taoist principles, and in only four years fixed the poor conditions that preceded his rule and made China prosperous again.
The Yellow Emperor is credited with being the original inventor of Taoist healing, and as the author of Yin Fŭ Jīng, which is only 338 words long, but each of these words is said by the Taoist faithful to be utilized to the full breadth of its meaning, and to bear deep wisdom in the fields of political science, ecology, and military strategy.
Influence of Taoism Through the Ages
The teachings of Taoism have influenced Asian and European philosophers and authors, including the German Herman Hesse and Bertolt Brecht, and can be said to have had a major impact on the development not only of eastern religions but of modern Christianity and other faiths.
Even despite periodic persecution and suppression, Taoism has proven to be a major influence in Communist China, and although the founder of Communist China, and its longtime ruler, Mao Tze-Tung, banned Taoism, his successors have proven to be more tolerant, and the faith is thriving in that nation.
Some principles of Taoism have become commercial in nature, influencing trade and economics, as well as worldwide culture. One example of such a principle is feng shui, which is the Taoist method of harmonic and balanced organization of a living space, and which has become a significant influence in construction and interior design.
Taoism In The Modern World Millions of Asians, from China, Taiwan and Hong Kong to Singapore and Indonesia, worship the gods of Taoism. Taoism is a faith that blends the teaching of philosophers with the fables of the ordinary person, and with the rituals of secret societies. It also blends magic, chemical mysteries, psychology, superstitions, and aspects of interperonal relationships into an overarching set of life principles that are very much alive today.
In Taoist temples, the Chinese worship more than 1,000 gods. Each of these deities is said to have sovereignty over specific areas of life, such as success in exams, the prevention of toothache and personal wealth.
Today, Taoism is practiced by approximately 20 million people. The main strength of this religion is in Taiwan, but number over 30,000 in North America and are spread throughout the world.
Teachings of Taoism
Some of the seminal works in the literature of the Tao reflext the dual nature of the Tao philosophy in excerpts like:
- "Be still like a mountain and flow like a great river." --Lao-Tzu
- "Heaven turns circles, yes! / Earth sits firm, yes! / Sun and moon vie for a place, yes! / Whose is the bow that shoots them? / Whose is the net that holds them? / Who is it sits with nothing to do and gives them the push that sends them away?" -- Zhuangzi
- Being still, not resisting: can I attain that?" -- famous final line of The Three Leaps of Wang-Lun by the Taoist-influenced author Alfred Döblin
Taoism Timeline550 BCE - Taoism was founded when Lao-Tzu wrote the Tao-te-Ching
350 BCE - Chuang-Tzu further develops the Taoist philosophy.
150 BCE - Immortality in Taoism is developed; Taiping Jing is compiled.
202-220 - Han Dynasty elevates Taoism, and the status of the Yellow Emperor.
226-249 - Wang Bi introduces Taoist concepts into Confucian learning.
320 - Ge Hong writes The Master Who Has Embraced Simplicity.
440 - Emperor Zhang Daoling proclaims Taoism an official state religion in China, and Lao-Tzu is made a deity.
618-626 - Emperor Gaozu builds a temple at Lao-Tzu's birthplace.
637 - Taoists ensured precedence over Buddhists.
691 - Empress Wu reverses precedence and supports the rise of Buddhism.
845 - Emperor Wu-zong has many non-Taoist religions persecuted.
16th Century - San yi Jiao, or the Three-in-One Religion, is founded as a synthesis of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
1644-1911 - The Three-in-One Religion is persecuted.
1920s-'30s - National Taoist organizations are founded. 1928 - Taoist and Buddhist temples are dismantled.
1950s - Religions are controlled by the Chinese government.
Videos and External Links
http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/lao.html
http://www.religioustolerance.org/taoism.htm
http://www.thegreattao.com/html/introyingyangtheory.html
http://www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_aboutchina/2003-09/24/content_24189.htm
Bibliography
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Hansen, Chad. Metaphysics Research Laboratory, Stanford University. 2007. Standard Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Taoism. 2 February 2009. <http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/taoism/#Origins>
Tao Longevity, LLC. 2004. Introduction to Taoism: Philosophy, Religion, and Science.2 February 2009. <http://www.thegreattao.com/html/introfounderyelemp.html>
Speigel Online International. 2007. Yin and Yang: The Influence of Taoism in Communist China.// 2 February 2009. <http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/0,1518,465055,00.html>
Single Step Media. 2001-8. About The Tao. 31 January 2009. <http://www.thetao.info>
Majka, Christopher. 2005. Lao Tzu: Father of Taoism. 1 February 2009. <http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/lao.html>